U.S. delivers three helicopters to Lebanese army

The U.S. delivered three Huey II helicopters to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) at Beirut's air base Thursday, part of the U.S.'s military assistance valued at 26 million U.S. dollars.

Delivery of the three helicopters was announced by the United States Charge d'Affaires ad interim in Lebanon Ambassador Richard Jones Thursday.

Brigadier General, Manuel Kirejian, Director of the LAF Logistics Brigade, represented LAF Commander Jean Qahwaji at the ceremony held at Beirut's Airbase.

According to the U.S. embassy's statement "the delivery of three Huey II helicopters clearly demonstrates America's commitment to support the upgrading of the LAFs' airlift capacity" Jones said.

"The helicopters significantly expand the army's aerial capability and range, and improves the Lebanese army's ability to swiftly and efficiently transport reinforcement troops to remote areas where conflict exists to support the army's fight against terrorists and extremists.

The addition of these three helicopters to the Lebanese army's fleet means that it currently possesses nine Huey II multi-mission helicopters provided by the United States" added the ambassador.

"Today's delivery clearly demonstrates America's ongoing commitment to ensure the LAF has the support it needs to become the sole defender of Lebanese territory," Jones pointed.

He stressed "Since 2004, America has provided over 1.3 billion dollars in assistance to the LAF, including training and equipment, and we do not plan to alter that level of support.

In fact, America has also recently delivered an additional weapons system for Lebanon's fixed-wing aircraft fleet as well as further ammunition requested by the Lebanese army." Endit